Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial benefits to individuals whose medical conditions prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), defined as earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind). The program adheres to a strict definition of disability, offering benefits only for total disability and excluding partial or short-term disabilities.
To qualify, your medical condition must: 1) prevent work at the SGA level, 2) hinder your ability to perform previous work or adjust to other work, and 3) be expected to last at least 12 consecutive months or result in death. Social Security assumes working families have alternative resources like workers’ compensation, insurance, savings, and investments for short-term support.
Case Review Form
What You Need to Know About Applying for SSDI
Eligibility for SSDI requires sufficient work history under Social Security, typically 40 credits (20 earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins, known as the 20/40 Rule), though younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. In 2025, you earn 1 credit for every $1,810 in wages or self-employment income, up to 4 credits per year ($7,240 total).
The application process involves a 5-step evaluation: 1) Are you working? (SGA limit applies), 2) Is your condition severe? (must limit basic work activities for 12 months), 3) Is it on the list of disabling conditions? (or as severe), 4) Can you do previous work?, and 5) Can you do other work? The Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your case, potentially allowing benefits for up to 12 months prior if a disability is confirmed during that period.
Benefits include a 5-month waiting period, with the first payment in the 6th month after disability onset. They continue until you can work regularly, supported by work incentives like continued health coverage. Upon reaching full retirement age, SSDI converts to retirement benefits, maintaining the same amount. For more details or to assess eligibility, complete the form to the right.